Qatar and Dutch football associations sign MoU

The Qatar Football Association (QFA) and the Dutch Royal Football Association (KNVB) signed a memorandum of understanding at the QFA’s headquarters in Al Bidda Tower yesterday.
QFA secretary-general Mansoor al-Ansari and KNVB secretary-general Gijs de Jong signed the agreement, which focuses on areas of cooperation between the two parties.
The signing ceremony was also attended by Dr Bahia Tahzib-Lie, the ambassador of the Netherlands; Johan van Geijn, KNVB’s director of International CSR Partnerships/WorldCoaches; and Johan Neeskens, former well-known international football player of the Dutch national team.
The two federations aim to establish a closer co-operation between themselves and this agreement intends to specify ways of sharing expertise and resources, while at the same time supporting the development of football in both nations.
The memorandum signed will see both associations invest in bilateral relations and share expertise and experiences in the areas of training of technical personnel, sports science, and youth development.
Al-Ansari said, “We are proud to sign this cooperation agreement with The KNVB in order to develop our existing strong ties for the development and promotion of football in Qatar and the Netherlands. This is a great opportunity for us to exchange experiences and expertise in different aspects including national teams, grassroots football, youth development and player performance which will have a direct positive impact on football ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.”
Commenting on the occasion, De Jong said, “Cooperation with Qatar FA fits perfectly in our international strategy, where we want to be seen as an open and innovative association, looking for impact and working for the future of our football. We see similarities with QFA, both being responsible for football in smaller countries within the football family and we can learn a lot from each other. Cooperation in football is important for developments towards the future, related to a fair, equal and transparent game, which is played and watched worldwide by millions.”
Tahzib-Lie stated: “We are delighted that Qatar Football Association and the Royal Dutch Football Association signed today a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance bilateral co-operation. It demonstrates the strong commitment of the Netherlands to enthusiastically work with Qatar towards a more vibrant and diverse sports sector. The development of female football features prominently in the MoU. This is important as football has huge potential to empower. We are also thrilled that the signing of the MoU takes place shortly after Russia handed over the relay baton for hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022 to Qatar. It is amazing to see how Qatar works hard towards its success and overcoming the challenges that lie in its way. The Netherlands is happy to help create a lasting positive legacy.”
The delegation was also present for the opening of the refresher women WorldCoaches program held at the headquarters of the Qatar Women Sports Committee.
Following the official meeting, Mr. de Jong and his accompanying delegation were then given an exclusive tour of Al Bidda Tower’s ‘Legacy Pavilion’ – which brings to life the plans for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.